UAE beaches close as oil from hit tanker spreads 35km
The slick from the Gem No.2, struck in the Strait of Hormuz, has reached the coast of Umm Al Quwain, prompting containment efforts and raising concerns for local marine life.
By Aiko Petrov ·
Black oil is washing up on the beaches of the United Arab Emirates after a tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities in the northern city of Umm Al Quwain closed coastal areas on Thursday as the spill grew.
Satellite data shows the spill began expanding rapidly in mid-October. Images from 19 October showed a small leak from a vessel matching the dimensions and location of the crude oil tanker Gem No.2. By Wednesday, the slick had stretched more than 35km from the ship. Radar data reviewed by the intelligence firm MAIAR confirmed the spill grew quickly over that two-day period.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated it had immediately begun containment work to limit environmental impacts. Verified video from Friday shows oil reaching the shore and turning the water black. The ministry's response comes as the slick moves toward sensitive habitats.
The oil is spreading toward the Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands. This area is a Key Biodiversity Area with corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. It is home to green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. Eoghan Darbyshire of the Conflict and Environment Observatory called the spill's proximity to these islands the most concerning environmental angle.
Experts note it is too early to determine the full severity of the damage. Prof Steve Widdicombe of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre said an impact was inevitable. He explained that long-term harm depends on the volume and type of oil, evaporation rates, and the effectiveness of the cleanup. Toxic compounds in the oil can affect fish gills, trap turtles, and smother seabirds. Continued exposure may also reduce the ability of species to reproduce.
The Gem No.2 was hit by an unknown projectile on 9 October. The strike occurred just north of Al Jazeera Al Hamra, starting a fire that was later extinguished. Footage from 10 October showed crew members running across the deck and putting on lifejackets under a plume of black smoke. Iranian state media shared video of the burning ship and said the vessel was using an unauthorized route through the strait.
The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed on 11 October that all 22 Indian crew members had been rescued. The Panama-flagged tanker was part of a record number of ships attacked in the area at the start of October. Security experts described the strikes as part of an Iranian effort to assert control over the waterway following increased US military escorts.
This incident follows another major spill in the region. In August, a large oil slick reached the shores of Iran's Qeshm Island. Experts said that spill threatened local wildlife, protected ecosystems, and fishing communities.
